An aerial view of the National Library building featuring an angled orange roof

Please excuse our appearance, we are making vital improvements to our much-loved heritage building. These improvements are designed to optimise our space and safeguard the collection for future generations. 

Temporary disruptions to the onsite experience are part of our progress. You might hear construction noise as you navigate the Library, and certain areas will be closed to the public. 

You’ll notice scaffolding at the front entrance while we work on these upgrades, but rest assured, we are still open and ready to welcome visitors.  

Visitor experience redefined: what’s available during building works and what awaits

Step inside and immerse yourself in Australia’s history and treasures! Our iconic building is open to the public, offering a range of activities to enhance your experience. 

  • Access our reading rooms for study, research or a well-deserved break 
  • Enjoy a free guided tour of the building, departing 11am daily from the foyer
  • Catch up with your friends and family at Bookplate cafe in the foyer
  • Purchase a book for yourself or a loved one at our bookstore  
  • Enjoy a coffee or light meal at Paperplate cafe located on the Lower Ground Floor 

Progress updates

Temporary changes to collection access 

Some collection storage areas will be temporarily closed, limiting access to some collection material. Different collection storage areas will be impacted at different times, but Library visitors can continue to request collection deliveries to the Reading Rooms as usual. 

To find out what collections are impacted and when, and to help you plan your requests, please visit our temporary changes to collection access page.  

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TEMPORARY CHANGES TO COLLECTION ACCESS 

Our Special Collections Reading Room and Petherick Reading Room has been moved to a new temporary location on Lower Ground 1.

Windows

We are restoring the heritage windows around the Library to rejuvenate its appearance and improve thermal performance. You’ll see scaffolding and hoarding outside while this work is underway.  

The replacement of windows overlooking the Patrick White Lawns and Commonwealth Avenue Bridge has been completed, and restoration of the exhibition gallery windows is finished as well.  

The replacement of windows on the King Edward Terrace side began in July 2024 and  the replacement of the windows at the front of the building will begin in November 2024. 

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning  

As part of our ongoing stewardship and care for the Library’s collections, the Library is upgrading about a third of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system – focusing on the areas where these collections are stored.

Completed projects

We’ve modernized and expanded our digitization and photography workspaces to meet the growing demand for digital content. This project was completed in 2022. Additionally, the installation of new gleaming copper sheeting on the roof is now complete.

Exterior of the National Library building with scaffolding along the wall

Funding

These projects have been funded by the Australian Government, including from the Library’s annual appropriation or special projects funding.

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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